Daily Devotion

“In the turmoil and flames of this great era (the Opium War), human schemes and imperial power appeared so insignificant and fragile; yet, the final outcome of history was not in the hands of monarchs or guns, but in the hands of the Most High who brings salvation. He allowed the tremors to occur precisely to break down the hardened ground of the Gospel, so that the seeds of peace could be deeply buried in this land.”

Jehu Lewis Shuck · Chinese Literature Selection

Scripture

Hebrews 12:26-27 God's voice shook the earth then, but now He promises, "Again, not only will I shake the earth, but also the heavens." The words "once again" mean that God will remove the things of creation that can be shaken so that the things that cannot be shaken will remain.

Reflection

Historical upheavals and life's upheavals are often the beginnings of God tilling the hard soil of our lives. Just as the smoke of the Opium Wars dismantled the closed-off nature of an ancient empire, our seemingly secure supports—wealth, health, or human schemes—are equally insignificant and fragile in the face of dramatic changes in circumstances. God allows upheavals to occur not for destruction, but to remove those temporary, created vanities, so that Christ's unshakable kingdom may remain firmly established and enduring in the depths of our souls. When circumstances shake us, do not panic; it is an opportunity for the seeds of the Gospel to be sown deep within.